What is it that causes us to fear things?
Some people fear the unknown ~ which would also include 'Change' . . .
Others live in fear of the known. . .
Whilst some even, feel more comfortable with their present fears than the possibility of the fear of change . . . being different . . . thinking differently . . . feeling differently . . . and it can sometimes seem beyond belief that change can also be for the better!
So what makes us hang on tight to those old fears, beliefs & behaviours that are unhelpful and no longer support us (or even hold us back)?
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist I often come across some clients who think they want change, but are also resistant to change. There is a saying that goes like this . . .
"If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep ending up with what you've always had"
So change is a huge part of the process, to embrace those changes however big or small they might be . . . and as I tell my clients ~ It's often the way that all those small differences add up to making an even bigger difference to you in your life and the changes you wish to make!
Change happens everyday . . . it's part of nature . . . part of life . . . nothing stays the same.
So it's a good thing to learn about embracing change, and because nothing is permanent or forever it also means that problems & issues can change too. All it takes is an experienced guide and a willingness to step into the unknown . . . to venture forwards and start to imagine how you'd like to be . . . who you'd like to be . . . and take action around some of those changes that can begin to move you in the right direction.
So the only thing to fear really is yourself ~ and once you realise that it is only yourself holding you back, then change is in your hands and you can control it.
If you would like to know more about the change process, Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, then contact me today and start 2014 as you mean to go on! A New Year and a New You too!
Best wishes
Harshani
Kettering, Northants
Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Heart of Living Yoga Teacher and trainer, Reiki Master Teacher and Sacred Sound Therapist based in Islip, Kettering, Northamptonshire . . . sharing positive vibes and inspiration to all . . . imagine creating the life you would love to have . . . and living it!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
World Vegan Day 1st November
In honor of World Vegan Day on Friday 1st November and my lovely Vegan student who is coming along to a Meditation evening that night ~ I am making Vegan Chocolate Brownies for everyone to share! I thought that cake baking would prove slightly challenging because of the non-egg factor but on the Vegan website I found an array of special Vegan recipes to have a choice of what to bake for everyone to enjoy.
http://www.national-awareness-days.com/world-vegan-day.html
So here's the recipe I found on the Vegan Society's website for all to enjoy:
Vegan Chocolate Brownies
75g Margarine
45g Cocoa Powder
75ml Soya Milk
200g Caster Sugar
160g Plain White Flour
2.5 tsp Baking Powder
20g Cocoa Powder
115g Caster Sugar
170ml Soya Milk
45ml Vegetable Oil
1 tsp Vanilla essence
(and my own addition of a handful of dried sour cherries to add a little texture)
1) Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C (Gas Mark 4)
2) Combine the first four ingredients in a saucepan and gently bring to the boil, turn down & simmer for 1 minute, stirring well. The place the saucepan into a bowl of cold water & beat the sauce until it cools & thickens. Set aside.
3) Sieve flour, baking powder, cocoa & sugar into a large bowl. Mix the Soya Milk, Vegetable oil & vanilla essence together. Combine all of the flour mixture, soya milk mixture & sauce together ~ avoid over mixing.
4) Place in a greased & lined tin approx 10" x 8" & bake for 30 minutes.
(Recipe by Fairfoods www.fairfoods.org.uk )
If you try it out, please share your tastings . . . and maybe any other favorite Vegan cakes you make too!
Happy Healthy Vegan Month wished to all!
Harshani
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
http://www.national-awareness-days.com/world-vegan-day.html
So here's the recipe I found on the Vegan Society's website for all to enjoy:
Vegan Chocolate Brownies
75g Margarine
45g Cocoa Powder
75ml Soya Milk
200g Caster Sugar
160g Plain White Flour
2.5 tsp Baking Powder
20g Cocoa Powder
115g Caster Sugar
170ml Soya Milk
45ml Vegetable Oil
1 tsp Vanilla essence
(and my own addition of a handful of dried sour cherries to add a little texture)
1) Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C (Gas Mark 4)
2) Combine the first four ingredients in a saucepan and gently bring to the boil, turn down & simmer for 1 minute, stirring well. The place the saucepan into a bowl of cold water & beat the sauce until it cools & thickens. Set aside.
3) Sieve flour, baking powder, cocoa & sugar into a large bowl. Mix the Soya Milk, Vegetable oil & vanilla essence together. Combine all of the flour mixture, soya milk mixture & sauce together ~ avoid over mixing.
4) Place in a greased & lined tin approx 10" x 8" & bake for 30 minutes.
(Recipe by Fairfoods www.fairfoods.org.uk )
If you try it out, please share your tastings . . . and maybe any other favorite Vegan cakes you make too!
Happy Healthy Vegan Month wished to all!
Harshani
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Finding Balance and Getting it Just Right
How good is your sense of balance?
Can you stand on one leg in a steady pose in a calm and comfortable manner?
How does being able to control your balance help you in your life?
All of these questions and more you can discover at my next Yoga Workshop Day which is centered purely around yoga balance postures (Asana's).
Being balanced is not just a physical thing, where you can shift your weight from one leg to the other whilst maintaining steadiness ~ it's also about mental awareness, finding a focus point, developing your concentration, and quietening your mind and mental chitter chatter that goes on often unconsciously. The thing with the mind is, that it's mostly in those quiet contemplative, meditative moments when you realise just how much constant inner dialogue is going on. Learning to work through a standing physical balance helps concentrate the mind so keenly that the thoughts can eventually drop away more and more. Balances can bring about an incredible inner peace, whilst the body is strong and steady. When your mind is all over the place then your balance is likely to be wobbly and unsteady. So balanced mind = balanced body and that can flow into your life too!
Standing yoga balances can help strengthen your bone density; develop your core strength in your abdominals; help balance the left and right side of your brain; help develop your concentration skills and sharpen your mental focus (which aids studying, work, exams etc); increases the quality of patience and acceptance; and help you tackle some of life's natural obstacles in a more positive manner.
So if you want to discover the benefits of yoga balance postures then drop into your local yoga class or come and join Harshani in Islip, Northamptonshire on Saturday 19th October.
To find out more or book your place, please visit www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Can you stand on one leg in a steady pose in a calm and comfortable manner?
How does being able to control your balance help you in your life?
All of these questions and more you can discover at my next Yoga Workshop Day which is centered purely around yoga balance postures (Asana's).
Being balanced is not just a physical thing, where you can shift your weight from one leg to the other whilst maintaining steadiness ~ it's also about mental awareness, finding a focus point, developing your concentration, and quietening your mind and mental chitter chatter that goes on often unconsciously. The thing with the mind is, that it's mostly in those quiet contemplative, meditative moments when you realise just how much constant inner dialogue is going on. Learning to work through a standing physical balance helps concentrate the mind so keenly that the thoughts can eventually drop away more and more. Balances can bring about an incredible inner peace, whilst the body is strong and steady. When your mind is all over the place then your balance is likely to be wobbly and unsteady. So balanced mind = balanced body and that can flow into your life too!
Standing yoga balances can help strengthen your bone density; develop your core strength in your abdominals; help balance the left and right side of your brain; help develop your concentration skills and sharpen your mental focus (which aids studying, work, exams etc); increases the quality of patience and acceptance; and help you tackle some of life's natural obstacles in a more positive manner.
So if you want to discover the benefits of yoga balance postures then drop into your local yoga class or come and join Harshani in Islip, Northamptonshire on Saturday 19th October.
To find out more or book your place, please visit www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Why worry about all those worries?
This morning I read today's beautiful reading from Sri Swami Satchidananda's book "The Golden Present".
And I'd like to share it with you here: ~
So many things we take for granted, so many things we worry about needlessly, taking up energy and making us unwell. Emotional stress can effect our daily lives. So try putting your worries into context. Try seeing them from a different perspective. Train the mind to see positives rather than negatives. Once you realize it's all in the mind, it's easier to re-frame it towards something that supports you, instead of weighing you down.
I teach my yoga students and therapy clients how to train their minds in a positive way, so daily stresses and concerns can be let go of far more easily and the mind can become more peaceful, easeful and useful.
You can find out more here www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Remember that golden song . . . "Don't worry . . . be Happy!"
Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.
Harshani
Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Integral Yoga Teacher
Mind Body Wellbeing
Islip, Kettering, Northants.,
And I'd like to share it with you here: ~
Hundreds of Worries
How many wants do you have? How many things do you worry about?
"I don't have this." "I didn't get that." "I don't have a nice enough office." "I didn't get the car I wanted." "I don't have an air conditioner." "I didn't get what I wanted to eat." . . . .
"I don't have this." "I didn't get that." "I don't have a nice enough office." "I didn't get the car I wanted." "I don't have an air conditioner." "I didn't get what I wanted to eat." . . . .
There are all kinds of unnecessary worries. Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of worries.
How can you even lift a small blade of grass with that kind of attitude?
The mind is the main source of health and happiness.
The same mind can completely rob you of all your health and happiness, if you don't train it properly.
Heat, humidity, cold, hunger ~ all these conditions are nothing if your mind is calm and balanced.
So many things we take for granted, so many things we worry about needlessly, taking up energy and making us unwell. Emotional stress can effect our daily lives. So try putting your worries into context. Try seeing them from a different perspective. Train the mind to see positives rather than negatives. Once you realize it's all in the mind, it's easier to re-frame it towards something that supports you, instead of weighing you down.
I teach my yoga students and therapy clients how to train their minds in a positive way, so daily stresses and concerns can be let go of far more easily and the mind can become more peaceful, easeful and useful.
You can find out more here www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Remember that golden song . . . "Don't worry . . . be Happy!"
Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.
Harshani
Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Integral Yoga Teacher
Mind Body Wellbeing
Islip, Kettering, Northants.,
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Hypnosis for Fear of Flying
This time of year is an exciting time for many, as we come into the holiday season.
Maybe you have already been away . . . maybe your booked holiday is coming soon . . . or maybe you are yet to book a last minute deal or go later in the year.
The big question really is . . . "Do you feel free to holiday where you like, or does the Fear of Flying stop you?"
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I know only too well the debilitating experiences that have clouded many clients lives before coming to see me to overcome their phobias and fears around flying.
The fear of flying has many different aspects ~ for some it's the fear of being out of control, for others it's around the fear of heights, for others it's the fear of death or dying often linked to the "What if . . ." question, for example ~ what if something happened, the plane was hijacked, or exploded or crashed . . . etc etc.
As with all phobias, there will be specific triggers which start the thoughts, fears and phobic responses into play. These triggers will have often been sparked from an unconscious thought process from our childhood, whether connected to planes or flying or something else. It simply becomes a habitual behaviour and emotional response towards the source of your fear/phobia.
As with all phobias, phobic responses to flying are unique to each individual, and through the Cognitive Hypnotherapy approach the patterns can be changed, reframed and resolved in the ways that are right for you personally. Cognitive Hypnotherapy tailors hypnosis and positive psychology methods to each client, helping them move through their fears and phobias in a way that's just right for them.
Hypnosis techniques connected to overcoming phobias are powerful and supportive ways, which not only help you feel 'back in control', but also much more confident in yourself in many different situations. Fears simply hold us back and stop us from living our lives to the full. Resolving these fears, frees you up to enjoy being you and feel comfortable in yourself and your surroundings, wherever you are, whom ever you are with. . .
You can fly and feel free to enjoy flying too!
Contact Harshani at Mind Body Wellbeing in Islip, Kettering, Northamptonshire, for a confidential consultation, and start looking forward to that sense of freedom being yours, sooner than you once thought possible.
Maybe you have already been away . . . maybe your booked holiday is coming soon . . . or maybe you are yet to book a last minute deal or go later in the year.
The big question really is . . . "Do you feel free to holiday where you like, or does the Fear of Flying stop you?"
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I know only too well the debilitating experiences that have clouded many clients lives before coming to see me to overcome their phobias and fears around flying.
The fear of flying has many different aspects ~ for some it's the fear of being out of control, for others it's around the fear of heights, for others it's the fear of death or dying often linked to the "What if . . ." question, for example ~ what if something happened, the plane was hijacked, or exploded or crashed . . . etc etc.
As with all phobias, there will be specific triggers which start the thoughts, fears and phobic responses into play. These triggers will have often been sparked from an unconscious thought process from our childhood, whether connected to planes or flying or something else. It simply becomes a habitual behaviour and emotional response towards the source of your fear/phobia.
As with all phobias, phobic responses to flying are unique to each individual, and through the Cognitive Hypnotherapy approach the patterns can be changed, reframed and resolved in the ways that are right for you personally. Cognitive Hypnotherapy tailors hypnosis and positive psychology methods to each client, helping them move through their fears and phobias in a way that's just right for them.
Hypnosis techniques connected to overcoming phobias are powerful and supportive ways, which not only help you feel 'back in control', but also much more confident in yourself in many different situations. Fears simply hold us back and stop us from living our lives to the full. Resolving these fears, frees you up to enjoy being you and feel comfortable in yourself and your surroundings, wherever you are, whom ever you are with. . .
You can fly and feel free to enjoy flying too!
Contact Harshani at Mind Body Wellbeing in Islip, Kettering, Northamptonshire, for a confidential consultation, and start looking forward to that sense of freedom being yours, sooner than you once thought possible.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Hypnotherapy can help free you to be you!
Have you ever felt like you're weighed down with life, stuff, people, places, events that go on around you? I'm sure we all have from time to time. Sometimes it's easy to let go, to free yourself and move on. Other times we feel stuck, almost unable to move on . . . we can't see the wood for the trees. . . we feel stuck in a rut . . . life gets on top of us . . . feel trapped.
Life has it's ups and downs . . . so it is so important to take a step back from time to time to see things from a different perspective, one where we can be an observer of the mind and thoughts (which often cloud our mind) . . . less emotionally involved, so we can find the answers which are right for us, to help us move on and let go of those things that weigh us down.
When you learn how to take a step outside of any situation, the answers are there, things appear more clearly, the things you need to do or not do (as is sometimes the case). It is so much easier to see patterns, habits and behaviours in others, because of this reason . . . you are less emotionally involved, you are slightly away from the situation and things seem clearer ~ in fact sometimes things seem so clear they are just simply so obvious to you, when you can see things from a distance.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist in the Kettering area, I guide my clients through being able to take that step outside of the 'Stuff' that they are in, so they can discover the changes which are right for them, to be able to move through the 'Stuff' and move on to brighter things . . . freeing them up to be themselves . . . discovering new ways of being.
Just like a bird that is trapped in a cage, wants to spread it's wings and be free . . . free to fly . . . free to be . . . free to explore new experiences in it's life. So as we release the thoughts, feelings and habits that hold us back . . . we too can enjoy that same kind of freedom too.
Hypnotherapy can help build new resources and strengths within you, such as Confidence . . . Self-Belief . . . Motivation . . . Courage . . . Positivity . . . Purpose . . . etc etc. We are all different and need different things in our lives, and at different times of our lives . . . and we all have the capacity to develop these resources through support and guidance.
So if you were totally free . . . who would you be? . . . what would you do? . . . how high would you fly?
Realizing what holds you back is the first step to change . . . the second is doing something about it!
helping you find freedom
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Life has it's ups and downs . . . so it is so important to take a step back from time to time to see things from a different perspective, one where we can be an observer of the mind and thoughts (which often cloud our mind) . . . less emotionally involved, so we can find the answers which are right for us, to help us move on and let go of those things that weigh us down.
When you learn how to take a step outside of any situation, the answers are there, things appear more clearly, the things you need to do or not do (as is sometimes the case). It is so much easier to see patterns, habits and behaviours in others, because of this reason . . . you are less emotionally involved, you are slightly away from the situation and things seem clearer ~ in fact sometimes things seem so clear they are just simply so obvious to you, when you can see things from a distance.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist in the Kettering area, I guide my clients through being able to take that step outside of the 'Stuff' that they are in, so they can discover the changes which are right for them, to be able to move through the 'Stuff' and move on to brighter things . . . freeing them up to be themselves . . . discovering new ways of being.
Just like a bird that is trapped in a cage, wants to spread it's wings and be free . . . free to fly . . . free to be . . . free to explore new experiences in it's life. So as we release the thoughts, feelings and habits that hold us back . . . we too can enjoy that same kind of freedom too.
Hypnotherapy can help build new resources and strengths within you, such as Confidence . . . Self-Belief . . . Motivation . . . Courage . . . Positivity . . . Purpose . . . etc etc. We are all different and need different things in our lives, and at different times of our lives . . . and we all have the capacity to develop these resources through support and guidance.
So if you were totally free . . . who would you be? . . . what would you do? . . . how high would you fly?
Realizing what holds you back is the first step to change . . . the second is doing something about it!
helping you find freedom
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The Therapeutic Effects of Gardening
With such glorious weather over the last few days, it has been such a joy to be out in the garden, starting to plan, plant, sow, weed and tend all the various plants which we have in mind to grow, eat and enjoy this coming summer and autumn.
Gardening is good for you and if you haven't tried it for yourself yet, then I'd highly recommend you giving it a go! It's so easy to sow a few seeds and things do grow, even in the smallest of spaces.
In my spare time, I just love being outside, being in tune with nature and in our garden.
It lifts your spirit and keeps you grounded and balanced.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I often see clients who are going through difficult stages in their lives, and encourage them to find an outdoor hobby like gardening, as it can really help them feel more positive and inspired. Even colleges, schools, universities and some business companies, are recognising the positive influences of growing your own produce, tending a small garden plot of flowers, herbs & veggies for staff, students and employees alike. It's great to see these 'Wellbeing' projects on the go ~ and the great thing is, that we all benefit!
It's good for the environment too, all those bees and butterflies help support plant pollination and need to be encouraged into our gardens more and more.
Standing in my front garden earlier on today, it just makes me smile every time I step outside! My beautiful spring flowers are blossoming and appearing everywhere.
So next time you feel a little down or disheartened, take yourself off to a beautiful garden somewhere, or maybe simply go for a walk around your local neighbourhood and look out for all the hidden gems of flowers and plants which we walk past without sometimes even noticing. . . it may surprise you, that there is more than you thought! And if there aren't that many, then maybe you could start your own garden revolution, whether it's a couple of pots, a hanging basket, a window sill of herbs or anything else that you can enjoy.
What I'm looking forward to more, is the impact of the Olympics from last year and hoping to see lots of glorious wild flower meadows popping up around the country. Please share yours if you do one!
Best wishes and Happy Gardening,
Harshani
Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Integral Yoga Teacher
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Gardening is good for you and if you haven't tried it for yourself yet, then I'd highly recommend you giving it a go! It's so easy to sow a few seeds and things do grow, even in the smallest of spaces.
In my spare time, I just love being outside, being in tune with nature and in our garden.
It lifts your spirit and keeps you grounded and balanced.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I often see clients who are going through difficult stages in their lives, and encourage them to find an outdoor hobby like gardening, as it can really help them feel more positive and inspired. Even colleges, schools, universities and some business companies, are recognising the positive influences of growing your own produce, tending a small garden plot of flowers, herbs & veggies for staff, students and employees alike. It's great to see these 'Wellbeing' projects on the go ~ and the great thing is, that we all benefit!
It's good for the environment too, all those bees and butterflies help support plant pollination and need to be encouraged into our gardens more and more.
Standing in my front garden earlier on today, it just makes me smile every time I step outside! My beautiful spring flowers are blossoming and appearing everywhere.
So next time you feel a little down or disheartened, take yourself off to a beautiful garden somewhere, or maybe simply go for a walk around your local neighbourhood and look out for all the hidden gems of flowers and plants which we walk past without sometimes even noticing. . . it may surprise you, that there is more than you thought! And if there aren't that many, then maybe you could start your own garden revolution, whether it's a couple of pots, a hanging basket, a window sill of herbs or anything else that you can enjoy.
What I'm looking forward to more, is the impact of the Olympics from last year and hoping to see lots of glorious wild flower meadows popping up around the country. Please share yours if you do one!
Best wishes and Happy Gardening,
Harshani
Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Integral Yoga Teacher
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate!!!
Chocoholics everywhere love Easter time . . . all that chocolate everywhere . . . total indulgence . . . white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate . . . Easter eggs in an array of shapes, colours, sizes and temptations.
And I must admit, that I too have times when I can easily allow myself to get hooked on chocolate if I let myself . . . because chocolate has that feel good quality . . . it makes you smile . . . it can lift any dull moment and make you feel better . . . instantly!
So what is it about chocolate that drew Charlie into the Chocolate factory . . . was it the smell of chocolate (you know that smell, you can think of it now . . . if you wanted too!) was it the taste (that melt in the mouth sensation) . . . or is it all about the happy hormones that release from chocolate which make it addictive and desireable.
Now, if you don't like chocolate and are really not bothered by the stuff, then great, you have no need to read any further . . . However for most others (and especially it seems to be more of a female thing) chocolate can have such a hold over you that you secretly eat it, or over-indulge, feel guilty about it, and have a weight problem because of it. Not the best outcomes for something as innocent as a little peice of chocolate. And there lies the problem, if only you could just have a little bit! It can be for some people that once the taste buds for chocolate have lit up, then it all has to be eaten . . . something inside saying . . . oh, just one more peice . . . only a little more . . . oh, there's only one left now, I shall have to eat it anyway ~ shame to waste it!
Does any of that resonate with you???
So my way of breaking those addictions is that every year, for the past 5 years I have given up chocolate for lent. None has passed my lips since Shrove Tuesday and I will re-convene if I choose to on Easter Sunday, along with the rest of the population. I don't stop eating chocolate for any specific religious reasons, I do it to make sure that I can! It's good to check that self discipline from time to time, and I fully endorse that you try it too ~ okay so you may have missed starting for lent this year, however you could start today and go up until Easter . . . or choose one month a year (say May or June ~ so you can focus on reducing those excess pounds for Summer)
Any craving or addiction really means that 'IT' (whether that's chocolate/alcohol/wine/cheese) is in control of you . . . and it's important that YOU can gain control of 'it' back.
You are in control if you can feel indifferent about something, something you can take or leave . . . content either way.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I'm all too aware of how the mind plays tricks on us, can torment us, says "Oh, go on . . . have it, no one will know unless you tell them . . . it's our secret!"
So I'm always amused when my mind starts doing that too, and the first non-chocolate week was probably the hardest. Everytime I opened the fridge, I would be drawn unconsciously to where I normally have chocolate and then notice that slight sinking feeling that came up inside me which said "There's none there!". Gradually those moments get less and less, as you re-affirm "No, I'm allowing myself to have a break right now." Friends round for dinner and my husband suggesting "Let's make a nice chocolate cake?" . . . my reply being "Remember I'm doing lent, how do you fancy a lemon drizzle cake instead?" . . . because I know that once you get the taste again the spell breaks and it's chocolate time again, so if you're going to put yourself in control, you have to prove to your mind that you really mean it. What you find then, is after those first few tests, it gives up and let's you get on with your determination to prove you can do it. . . letting you be in control once more.
There are some great helpful techniques which I teach my weight loss clients to put them in control of their cravings. My last HypnoSlim weight loss group had a chocoholic turn away from it completely and has not bothered with it since! So to discover more about how it might be supportive for you too see ~ http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive+Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Weight+Loss-26.php
Put yourself in control and have a healthy relationship with those Easter Eggs!
Happy Chocolate Free Easter!
And I must admit, that I too have times when I can easily allow myself to get hooked on chocolate if I let myself . . . because chocolate has that feel good quality . . . it makes you smile . . . it can lift any dull moment and make you feel better . . . instantly!
So what is it about chocolate that drew Charlie into the Chocolate factory . . . was it the smell of chocolate (you know that smell, you can think of it now . . . if you wanted too!) was it the taste (that melt in the mouth sensation) . . . or is it all about the happy hormones that release from chocolate which make it addictive and desireable.
Now, if you don't like chocolate and are really not bothered by the stuff, then great, you have no need to read any further . . . However for most others (and especially it seems to be more of a female thing) chocolate can have such a hold over you that you secretly eat it, or over-indulge, feel guilty about it, and have a weight problem because of it. Not the best outcomes for something as innocent as a little peice of chocolate. And there lies the problem, if only you could just have a little bit! It can be for some people that once the taste buds for chocolate have lit up, then it all has to be eaten . . . something inside saying . . . oh, just one more peice . . . only a little more . . . oh, there's only one left now, I shall have to eat it anyway ~ shame to waste it!
Does any of that resonate with you???
So my way of breaking those addictions is that every year, for the past 5 years I have given up chocolate for lent. None has passed my lips since Shrove Tuesday and I will re-convene if I choose to on Easter Sunday, along with the rest of the population. I don't stop eating chocolate for any specific religious reasons, I do it to make sure that I can! It's good to check that self discipline from time to time, and I fully endorse that you try it too ~ okay so you may have missed starting for lent this year, however you could start today and go up until Easter . . . or choose one month a year (say May or June ~ so you can focus on reducing those excess pounds for Summer)
Any craving or addiction really means that 'IT' (whether that's chocolate/alcohol/wine/cheese) is in control of you . . . and it's important that YOU can gain control of 'it' back.
You are in control if you can feel indifferent about something, something you can take or leave . . . content either way.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I'm all too aware of how the mind plays tricks on us, can torment us, says "Oh, go on . . . have it, no one will know unless you tell them . . . it's our secret!"
So I'm always amused when my mind starts doing that too, and the first non-chocolate week was probably the hardest. Everytime I opened the fridge, I would be drawn unconsciously to where I normally have chocolate and then notice that slight sinking feeling that came up inside me which said "There's none there!". Gradually those moments get less and less, as you re-affirm "No, I'm allowing myself to have a break right now." Friends round for dinner and my husband suggesting "Let's make a nice chocolate cake?" . . . my reply being "Remember I'm doing lent, how do you fancy a lemon drizzle cake instead?" . . . because I know that once you get the taste again the spell breaks and it's chocolate time again, so if you're going to put yourself in control, you have to prove to your mind that you really mean it. What you find then, is after those first few tests, it gives up and let's you get on with your determination to prove you can do it. . . letting you be in control once more.
There are some great helpful techniques which I teach my weight loss clients to put them in control of their cravings. My last HypnoSlim weight loss group had a chocoholic turn away from it completely and has not bothered with it since! So to discover more about how it might be supportive for you too see ~ http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive+Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Weight+Loss-26.php
Put yourself in control and have a healthy relationship with those Easter Eggs!
Happy Chocolate Free Easter!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Smoking ~ Do you think you choose to smoke or what?
Today is National No Smoking Day!
I'm sure for many smokers, they think . . . here we go again!
Everyone telling us about the harm smoking causes & why we should stop smoking.
Probably for some it's a day they forget to remember, as they are happy to continue enjoying those cigarettes and perhaps even think that it's their choice . . .
they choose to smoke . . .
or do they actually choose at all?
You see the thing about choice means YOU are in control, which also means you can take it or leave it. And if you can do that with your cigarettes, then yes you are in control of the choices you make ~ but for nearly all smokers, they are far from being IN control, in fact the habit, addiction and cigarettes control them. So what might start as a choice thing, something which you choose to do, then gradually as the addictive and habitual aspects of the cigarette and nicotine kick in, what actually happens is that you no longer choose to smoke . . . the cigarettes and nicotine are now controlling you . . . and your freedom of choice as to whether you can take it or leave it . . . has gone!
Because if you were totally in control, then if you wanted to stop, or choose to go without smoking for as long as YOU wanted to, then you would have that sense of indifference about your cigarette, something you could take or leave. . . maybe forget even, if you chose to.
But what most smokers find is the minute they think they can't have a cigarette or may have a time without them, those mind games start . . . they may have extra cigarettes (to top up) beforehand, so they don't miss out . . . or they may smoke like a chimney afterwards to make up for it . . . but what all will find is that they keep thinking about them . . . craving them . . . planning when or where the next one will be . . . etc etc and that cigarette has got control of you.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I'm fully aware of the struggles that smokers go through to stop smoking, the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the previous failures, the mental torture . . . and this is why actually having hypnosis can really support a smoker through the process of getting back into control, being more able to forget about cigarettes more and more, to overcome cravings, and learn others ways to relax and de-stress. Which helps to make the process of stopping smoking much more accessible and dare I say more comfortable (especially by helping to reduce the mood swings).
So to read more about it then see my link here on the benefits of hypnosis to stop smoking today ~
http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive+Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Stopping+Smoking-22.php
Because ultimately we all want to feel like WE are in CONTROL of our lives and the choices we choose to make. . . don't we?
I'm sure for many smokers, they think . . . here we go again!
Everyone telling us about the harm smoking causes & why we should stop smoking.
Probably for some it's a day they forget to remember, as they are happy to continue enjoying those cigarettes and perhaps even think that it's their choice . . .
they choose to smoke . . .
or do they actually choose at all?
You see the thing about choice means YOU are in control, which also means you can take it or leave it. And if you can do that with your cigarettes, then yes you are in control of the choices you make ~ but for nearly all smokers, they are far from being IN control, in fact the habit, addiction and cigarettes control them. So what might start as a choice thing, something which you choose to do, then gradually as the addictive and habitual aspects of the cigarette and nicotine kick in, what actually happens is that you no longer choose to smoke . . . the cigarettes and nicotine are now controlling you . . . and your freedom of choice as to whether you can take it or leave it . . . has gone!
Because if you were totally in control, then if you wanted to stop, or choose to go without smoking for as long as YOU wanted to, then you would have that sense of indifference about your cigarette, something you could take or leave. . . maybe forget even, if you chose to.
But what most smokers find is the minute they think they can't have a cigarette or may have a time without them, those mind games start . . . they may have extra cigarettes (to top up) beforehand, so they don't miss out . . . or they may smoke like a chimney afterwards to make up for it . . . but what all will find is that they keep thinking about them . . . craving them . . . planning when or where the next one will be . . . etc etc and that cigarette has got control of you.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I'm fully aware of the struggles that smokers go through to stop smoking, the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the previous failures, the mental torture . . . and this is why actually having hypnosis can really support a smoker through the process of getting back into control, being more able to forget about cigarettes more and more, to overcome cravings, and learn others ways to relax and de-stress. Which helps to make the process of stopping smoking much more accessible and dare I say more comfortable (especially by helping to reduce the mood swings).
So to read more about it then see my link here on the benefits of hypnosis to stop smoking today ~
http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive+Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Stopping+Smoking-22.php
Because ultimately we all want to feel like WE are in CONTROL of our lives and the choices we choose to make. . . don't we?
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
The Healing Power of Sound
I've always felt that sound has an amazing effect on us all . . . it can change your mood from happy to sad, from grumpy to cheery, from depressed to up-beat . . . and visa-versa. Sound not only can effect mood but also emotions, thoughts and our physical responses to them as well.
When you think about your thoughts/feelings/moods make a conscious note to maybe the sounds around you, whether it's music you're listening to, or talking, or birds song, the sound of rain, or wind or loud industrial noises around you . . . all effect you both energetically and vibrationally.
Sound can be a healer and a harmer. I know which one I'd rather choose to follow . . . healing sounds are so powerful and incredibly re-balancing to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual sense of self. My first experience of the positive effects of yogic chanting, was in an Integral Yoga class in Bournemouth, and even though at the time I thought it a bit weird (as most people do), I discovered an energy, a quality afterwards which had such a profound effect on my life ~ that now as an Integral Yoga Teacher I love to chant whenever and wherever I can, because it feels so wonderful.
Shortly after my first steps into mantra chanting I also very gratefully found myself lying down on the grass outside on a yoga retreat being bathed with the healing Gong vibration of a Sound Bath!
Wow, such an amazing experience to enjoy . . . being bathed in sound ~ and I highly recommend it.
Since then I have been fortunate to experience many through my wonderful Yoga friends and their giving of healing Sound Baths . . .
So if this has whetted your taste buds to be curious about Sound Baths and would like to experience one for yourself too then check out this link to our next Yoga Sound Bath Workshop day being held on 14th April in Kettering . . . you never know you might like chanting too!
http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive+Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Personal+Development+Courses-46.php
You never know we might see you there!
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Harshani
Mind and Body Wellbeing
When you think about your thoughts/feelings/moods make a conscious note to maybe the sounds around you, whether it's music you're listening to, or talking, or birds song, the sound of rain, or wind or loud industrial noises around you . . . all effect you both energetically and vibrationally.
Sound can be a healer and a harmer. I know which one I'd rather choose to follow . . . healing sounds are so powerful and incredibly re-balancing to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual sense of self. My first experience of the positive effects of yogic chanting, was in an Integral Yoga class in Bournemouth, and even though at the time I thought it a bit weird (as most people do), I discovered an energy, a quality afterwards which had such a profound effect on my life ~ that now as an Integral Yoga Teacher I love to chant whenever and wherever I can, because it feels so wonderful.
Shortly after my first steps into mantra chanting I also very gratefully found myself lying down on the grass outside on a yoga retreat being bathed with the healing Gong vibration of a Sound Bath!
Wow, such an amazing experience to enjoy . . . being bathed in sound ~ and I highly recommend it.
Since then I have been fortunate to experience many through my wonderful Yoga friends and their giving of healing Sound Baths . . .
So if this has whetted your taste buds to be curious about Sound Baths and would like to experience one for yourself too then check out this link to our next Yoga Sound Bath Workshop day being held on 14th April in Kettering . . . you never know you might like chanting too!
http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive+Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Personal+Development+Courses-46.php
You never know we might see you there!
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Harshani
Mind and Body Wellbeing
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Educating the world
Today is World Spelling day . . .
Tomorrow is World Maths day . . .
and Thursday is World Science Day . . .
How great is that . . . education flowing the world over.
Check out this for your children to get involved in "World Education Games" part of a guinness book of records attempt for free and for fun!
And if you have number block, or spelling blocks you could explore the possibility of getting in contact with a Hypnotherapist to discover how left and right brain balancing can help you find it easier to recognize numbers and words and patterns within them, to improve this aspect in your life.
It's never too late to learn something new . . . you're never too old to learn and change the habits of a lifetime. We learn new things everyday, so maybe at the end of the day you might look back and wonder what it was that you learnt today and more importantly how you can use it in the future . . .
Happy Learning,
Harshani Curbishley-Brown
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Tomorrow is World Maths day . . .
and Thursday is World Science Day . . .
How great is that . . . education flowing the world over.
Check out this for your children to get involved in "World Education Games" part of a guinness book of records attempt for free and for fun!
And if you have number block, or spelling blocks you could explore the possibility of getting in contact with a Hypnotherapist to discover how left and right brain balancing can help you find it easier to recognize numbers and words and patterns within them, to improve this aspect in your life.
It's never too late to learn something new . . . you're never too old to learn and change the habits of a lifetime. We learn new things everyday, so maybe at the end of the day you might look back and wonder what it was that you learnt today and more importantly how you can use it in the future . . .
Happy Learning,
Harshani Curbishley-Brown
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Friday, February 15, 2013
Increase Your Confidence
Confidence
~ What is it & how do we make More?
What is it that makes us all
so different?
Some people seem to exude confidence. . . confidence in how they walk . . . confidence in how they talk . . . confidence in how they look . . . confidence in how they act. But they may not be confident in all areas of their lives?
Because sometimes even confidence has differences . . . often our lives get framed into different aspects . . . which I like to think of as our 'wheel of life':~
* Business/Career
* Relationships/Family
* Education/Personal Development
* Health/Fitness
* Finances/Wealth
* Spirituality
So you might be surprised to discover that even the most successfully confident person at work, may be lacking in confidence in their relationships or other areas in their 'wheel of life'. Sometimes people appear outwardly confident, but inside may have low self-esteem and don't feel good enough, or worthy enough.
Try this Confidence Building exercise :~
Some people seem to exude confidence. . . confidence in how they walk . . . confidence in how they talk . . . confidence in how they look . . . confidence in how they act. But they may not be confident in all areas of their lives?
Because sometimes even confidence has differences . . . often our lives get framed into different aspects . . . which I like to think of as our 'wheel of life':~
* Business/Career
* Relationships/Family
* Education/Personal Development
* Health/Fitness
* Finances/Wealth
* Spirituality
So you might be surprised to discover that even the most successfully confident person at work, may be lacking in confidence in their relationships or other areas in their 'wheel of life'. Sometimes people appear outwardly confident, but inside may have low self-esteem and don't feel good enough, or worthy enough.
Try this Confidence Building exercise :~
Think of a role model . . . someone who oozes the right type of
Confidence for you . . . whether it’s someone you know personally or someone
famous who represents how you’d most like to be.
Next write down all of their qualities that make them appear Confident
to you ~ what is it about them that you like?
Then close your eyes and imagine them in front of you and observe
those qualities.
Then imagine you could super-impose your head on their shoulders and
see yourself taking on those qualities too
Then see the whole of you as them and draw those positive qualities
back inside yourself
Take a few deep breaths embedding these qualities within yourself and
imagine how you can use these more and more each and every day.
Practise this daily to focus your unconscious mind on how you want to
be ~ until it becomes just the way you are!
For more practical ways to understand your inner confidence and how to strengthen it even more, then join me on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March in Kettering, Northamptonshire, for a personal development course based around confidence and becoming the best you can be in your life.
Let your imagination flow and be curious at where this weekend might take you . . . to what new possibilities and opportunities may lie ahead.
Go to my webpage about the course here to discover more ~
Early bird booking discount for all bookings made before 22nd February!
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Harshani Curbishley-Brown, Cognitive Hypnotherapist & Life Coach www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Friday, February 8, 2013
There's no such thing as a Failure!
Today's daily inspirational reading by Sri Swami Satchidananda in his book called "The Golden Present" :~
There is no such thing as a failure . . . everything comes to teach us something . . . to help us learn . . . progress . . . evolve . . . understand . . . and once you do, then you are moving into success.
Everything can ultimately lead us towards success, however big or small those steps might be.
Each new step on a new stone takes us forwards.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist and Yoga Teacher, my role is to be a guide and help shine the light of realisation for my clients and students, so they may find the right learning's for themselves to enable them to move on and be more in tune with themselves and find harmony with the world around them.
The stepping stones of change are there for us all, when we are ready to take those steps and learn from our experiences so we can become who we were born to be.
May today teach you what you need to learn and show you your next stepping stone to take you forwards.
Kindest Wishes
Harshani
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
You Learn Even Faster
If you make mistakes it doesn't matter. Make mistakes and learn.
The best teachers are your own mistakes. You learn even faster by your mistakes.
The best teachers are your own mistakes. You learn even faster by your mistakes.
Once I was at a conference with the great modern scientist Buckminster Fuller. He stood up and said, "Friends, forget about all the 'Do this. Don't do that' business. Commit as many mistakes as possible, as soon as possible. You'll become great!"
It's true! Every failure is a stepping stone. Remember, though, that you can't use the same stone for each step. Every step should be on a new stone. That means you shouldn't keep on making the same mistakes. Learn well from each one. The problem with many people is that they commit the same mistake over and over. Even so, they will eventually learn from that mistake and move on.
Experience is the best teacher.There is no such thing as a failure . . . everything comes to teach us something . . . to help us learn . . . progress . . . evolve . . . understand . . . and once you do, then you are moving into success.
Everything can ultimately lead us towards success, however big or small those steps might be.
Each new step on a new stone takes us forwards.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist and Yoga Teacher, my role is to be a guide and help shine the light of realisation for my clients and students, so they may find the right learning's for themselves to enable them to move on and be more in tune with themselves and find harmony with the world around them.
The stepping stones of change are there for us all, when we are ready to take those steps and learn from our experiences so we can become who we were born to be.
May today teach you what you need to learn and show you your next stepping stone to take you forwards.
Kindest Wishes
Harshani
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
5:2 Diet, Fasting Craze, Yoga & Healthy Eating
Wow, you might even think that there's been a diet and slimming break through, from all the news, articles and focus on the I.F. Diet, the 5:2 Fasting programme, the Alkaline Diet, etc etc etc. The next latest 'diet' craze setting in . . .
Well as many others already know too . . . it's nothing new, it's been around for years ~ in different forms, under different guises. In the Times yesterday the article read about how certain religions & cultures naturally encourage their followers to have a fast day once a week, or at the least drop down to simply prepared light meal ~ thereby resting the body, cleansing the soul, keeping us healthy.
So, if you're wondering what all this has to do with Yoga (and maybe you go along to a regular weekly class already) . . . Yoga is not simply a weekly stretch of the body alongside maybe a clear of the mind if you practice meditation and pranayama in your classes too ~ but it is all about a healthy lifestyle.
Everything in balance.
Everything in moderation.
Healthy Mind. Healthy Body. Healthy Soul . . . and that also includes what you EAT!
There are so many reason's why I chose to become a Vegetarian nearly two years ago ~ mostly because of my Yogic values and choosing to deepen my spiritual practice, but along the way I feel healthier, happier in myself, more energised, physically fitter (alongside my Yoga practice), calmer more peaceful, and can honestly say have never missed meat since! And my added bonus was that I lost any excess weight and find it easy to maintain it too. So a great win win for me personally.
I have in the past dabbled with 'trying' to be a vegetarian, which I have to admit had been challenging 10 - 15 years ago due to lack of options, lack of knowledge and lack of restaurants/friends/family being able to cater for the 'veggie' . . . "Oh, what shall we cook???? How does Beans on Toast sound or a Mushroom/Cheese Omelette!"
But thankfully the culinary world has changed and there is an abundance of choice nowadays to make it easy for all to embrace a few meat free days.
Meat traditionally was for special feasts, festival days, celebrations . . . it wasn't a daily meal. Meat is the hardest protein to to able to absorb, digest and assimilate into our bodies. Can you imagine how long it can take to leave your stomach from the moment you ate it? It can be anything from 10 hours to a couple of days . . . so if you think about that and you have meat more than one meal a day, you could potentially be loading chewed up meat on top of chewed up meat on top of chewed up meat in your gut and that makes your energy sluggish, leaving you feeling tired, bloated and for some even constipated.
So if you have been intrigued by the benefits of fasting days where you reduce your calories down to 500 calories for a woman and 600 calories for a man on the 5:2 fast plan, then give it a go.
If you fancy having a few veggie days in your week . . . then give it a go (your body and gut will thank you ~ and so will your energy too!)
. . . you never know you may even like it and wonder why you've not done it sooner . . . Oh and benefit from losing weight too!
When I work with my Cognitive Hypnotherapy clients who come to see me for weight loss, I explain that it is a life-style change, a new way of being. Because we all know, that if you keep doing what you've always done . . . then you'll keep ending up with what you've always had . . . so it's important to change . . . it's good to change . . . change is the one thing that will get you to your goals and maintain being slimmer, healthier and fitter.
Diets don't work if they are just for a short term quick fix, because the moment you go back to eating "normally" (i.e. what you used to eat ~ chocolate, pasta, bread, beer, sweets, crisps etc) the old weight creeps back on . . . plus a little bit more for good measure ~ so you just get on a cycle of yo-yo dieting, which is damaging for your internal organs, your scales and ultimately your self-esteem!
So being successful in losing weight healthily and maintaining that way of being . . . is exactly that, you discover the healthy lifestyle, foods and exercise which suits you best, which you can embrace as a new way of being. Putting you in the driving seat and in control of who, how & where you want to be.
Even though I made a life choice 2 years ago to stop eating meat, I was already well on my way there, as I have my own veggie plot in our garden and have been an avid veggie grower for many years. That being the case, at home we would often make veggie based meals 3 - 4 times a week as the norm ~ finding ways to be creative with excess courgettes, runner beans, broad beans, tomatoes and so on . . . so out would come the recipes books and it was amazing what we found.
My favorite veggie recipe books at the moment are still ~
If anyone would like to share their favorite Veggie cook book's at the moment then please do here . . .
For more info on Cognitive Hypnotherapy and weight loss please visit my website at http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Well as many others already know too . . . it's nothing new, it's been around for years ~ in different forms, under different guises. In the Times yesterday the article read about how certain religions & cultures naturally encourage their followers to have a fast day once a week, or at the least drop down to simply prepared light meal ~ thereby resting the body, cleansing the soul, keeping us healthy.
So, if you're wondering what all this has to do with Yoga (and maybe you go along to a regular weekly class already) . . . Yoga is not simply a weekly stretch of the body alongside maybe a clear of the mind if you practice meditation and pranayama in your classes too ~ but it is all about a healthy lifestyle.
Everything in balance.
Everything in moderation.
Healthy Mind. Healthy Body. Healthy Soul . . . and that also includes what you EAT!
* A classical Yogic diet is Vegetarian (mainly Alkaline forming foods, so light on your stomach, healthy for your bones, heart, digestive system and peace of mind . . . non-harm to animals). It's good for you in many ways.
* Yogis avoid alcohol and toxins so they can be clear in body, mind and spirit for meditation, asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques).
* Yogis are recommended to avoid over-eating and Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh suggested that the stomach be only half full of food, leaving space for a quarter for water and a quarter for air (prana or breath).
* For enhancing heath, wellbeing and for deepening their spiritual practice, it is suggested to have a fast day one day a week. Giving your body time to absorb what is needed to maintain optimum health and optimum energy. And you can have a day off, from planning, cooking or thinking about what you are going to be eating ~ giving your mind a rest too. It's actually proven to be good for your brain to have a rest day or low food intake day, helping to keep the brain energised, focused, gaining more clarity of thoughtfulness, mindfulness, peacefulness.
There are so many reason's why I chose to become a Vegetarian nearly two years ago ~ mostly because of my Yogic values and choosing to deepen my spiritual practice, but along the way I feel healthier, happier in myself, more energised, physically fitter (alongside my Yoga practice), calmer more peaceful, and can honestly say have never missed meat since! And my added bonus was that I lost any excess weight and find it easy to maintain it too. So a great win win for me personally.
I have in the past dabbled with 'trying' to be a vegetarian, which I have to admit had been challenging 10 - 15 years ago due to lack of options, lack of knowledge and lack of restaurants/friends/family being able to cater for the 'veggie' . . . "Oh, what shall we cook???? How does Beans on Toast sound or a Mushroom/Cheese Omelette!"
But thankfully the culinary world has changed and there is an abundance of choice nowadays to make it easy for all to embrace a few meat free days.
Meat traditionally was for special feasts, festival days, celebrations . . . it wasn't a daily meal. Meat is the hardest protein to to able to absorb, digest and assimilate into our bodies. Can you imagine how long it can take to leave your stomach from the moment you ate it? It can be anything from 10 hours to a couple of days . . . so if you think about that and you have meat more than one meal a day, you could potentially be loading chewed up meat on top of chewed up meat on top of chewed up meat in your gut and that makes your energy sluggish, leaving you feeling tired, bloated and for some even constipated.
So if you have been intrigued by the benefits of fasting days where you reduce your calories down to 500 calories for a woman and 600 calories for a man on the 5:2 fast plan, then give it a go.
If you fancy having a few veggie days in your week . . . then give it a go (your body and gut will thank you ~ and so will your energy too!)
. . . you never know you may even like it and wonder why you've not done it sooner . . . Oh and benefit from losing weight too!
When I work with my Cognitive Hypnotherapy clients who come to see me for weight loss, I explain that it is a life-style change, a new way of being. Because we all know, that if you keep doing what you've always done . . . then you'll keep ending up with what you've always had . . . so it's important to change . . . it's good to change . . . change is the one thing that will get you to your goals and maintain being slimmer, healthier and fitter.
Diets don't work if they are just for a short term quick fix, because the moment you go back to eating "normally" (i.e. what you used to eat ~ chocolate, pasta, bread, beer, sweets, crisps etc) the old weight creeps back on . . . plus a little bit more for good measure ~ so you just get on a cycle of yo-yo dieting, which is damaging for your internal organs, your scales and ultimately your self-esteem!
So being successful in losing weight healthily and maintaining that way of being . . . is exactly that, you discover the healthy lifestyle, foods and exercise which suits you best, which you can embrace as a new way of being. Putting you in the driving seat and in control of who, how & where you want to be.
Even though I made a life choice 2 years ago to stop eating meat, I was already well on my way there, as I have my own veggie plot in our garden and have been an avid veggie grower for many years. That being the case, at home we would often make veggie based meals 3 - 4 times a week as the norm ~ finding ways to be creative with excess courgettes, runner beans, broad beans, tomatoes and so on . . . so out would come the recipes books and it was amazing what we found.
My favorite veggie recipe books at the moment are still ~
- Leith's Vegetarian Bible ~ see http://www.amazon.co.uk/Leiths-Vegetarian-Bible-Polly-Tyrer/dp/0747557160
- Plenty by Yotom Ottolenghi ~ see http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk/
If anyone would like to share their favorite Veggie cook book's at the moment then please do here . . .
For more info on Cognitive Hypnotherapy and weight loss please visit my website at http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Learning to Relax helps you Be at your very Best!
Stress . . . Busy . . . Work . . . Family . . . Friends . . . Un-well . . . Time . . . Pressure . . . Study . . .
We all live such busy lives in this day and age, often forgetting the importance to take some quality time-out every now and then to relax, de-stress and re-charge our batteries. Which is essential for us to function at our very best.
To maintain our health and wellbeing we need a good combination of physical exercise/activities, mental relaxation, balanced diet, fresh air for healthy oxygenation in our lungs, good quality sleep, time for ourselves, and that feel good factor of emotional wellbeing by keeping in good company of family, friends and loved ones.
You always know when things are starting to get on top of you, because you can begin to feel run-down, tired, irritable and become more prone to illness. How many times I hear of people who have just been so busy with work and deadlines etc, working themselves almost silly up until the moment that they know they are going to have some time off, perhaps planned holidays . . . and off they set, finally ready to have some well earnt time off . . . only to find themselves coming down with a cold or being un-well for part of their holiday time. It's like the body is finally given permission to rest and has decided it will make you rest and slow you down even more through sickness. Your body does need rest! Not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually too. We are made up of energy ~ so to maintain our energy ~ we have to look after it.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master therapist and Integral Yoga Teacher, I can fully appreciate that everyone ultimately needs time to rest, re-couperate and re-charge on a regular basis. I can sense the energy and dynamics of the majority of my Yoga students as they filter in for their weekly classes . . . their needs to stretch, breathe and then allow themselves to relax . . . gradually throughout the class seeing their energies change, re-align and let go of the things they no longer need . . . so by the time they lie down for the Yoga Nidra relaxation at the end they are in the right space and zone to drop into a deep and peaceful place.
For some people, Yoga is not for them, they need quick, fast, energetic activities ~ which is great, we are all different. But one thing I'm always mindful of is that ultimately we all need the same . . . the ability to relax and relax deeply is essential to us all (perhaps even more so for those who are fast paced souls).
So if you are wanting to discover just how beneficial learning to relax is for you, then I run monthly Deep Relaxation Evenings in Oundle, Northamptonshire. The first friday every month from 7pm - 8.30pm at the Joan Strong Hall, for £7 a session. Everyone is welcome, no experience is necessary, you will be guided through different layers of relaxation, meditation and pranayama (breathing techniques), so you can practise them at home too. All you need to bring is a yoga mat or something to lie down on, a cushion for seated comfort in meditation and pranayama breathing practises, and a warm blanket to put over you in the longer Yoga Nidra relaxation.
Learning to truly relax deeply takes time and practise, so each month, you'll find yourself being able to let go more and more, going deeper and deeper into the most relaxing place for you to rest the most. Relaxation makes you feel fit for life!
Some of the benefits of Relaxation are:
* Can help to alleviate the signs of stress
* Help us feel more emotionally settled and peaceful in ourselves
* Let go of un-needed worries or fears
* Release excess muscular tension
* Aids healing process
* Rests our heart and helps reduce High Blood Pressure
* Deepens our breathing, strengthening our lungs, aiding respiration
* Improves our sleep
* Improves our over-all health and wellbeing
plus much more . . .
For more details on coming along to the Deep Relaxation Evenings, then please go to my What's On page at http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive+Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Whats+On-5.php
I will look forward to welcoming you on Friday 1st February for your journey into peaceful relaxation.
Best wishes
Harshani
Mind & Body Wellbeing
We all live such busy lives in this day and age, often forgetting the importance to take some quality time-out every now and then to relax, de-stress and re-charge our batteries. Which is essential for us to function at our very best.
To maintain our health and wellbeing we need a good combination of physical exercise/activities, mental relaxation, balanced diet, fresh air for healthy oxygenation in our lungs, good quality sleep, time for ourselves, and that feel good factor of emotional wellbeing by keeping in good company of family, friends and loved ones.
You always know when things are starting to get on top of you, because you can begin to feel run-down, tired, irritable and become more prone to illness. How many times I hear of people who have just been so busy with work and deadlines etc, working themselves almost silly up until the moment that they know they are going to have some time off, perhaps planned holidays . . . and off they set, finally ready to have some well earnt time off . . . only to find themselves coming down with a cold or being un-well for part of their holiday time. It's like the body is finally given permission to rest and has decided it will make you rest and slow you down even more through sickness. Your body does need rest! Not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually too. We are made up of energy ~ so to maintain our energy ~ we have to look after it.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master therapist and Integral Yoga Teacher, I can fully appreciate that everyone ultimately needs time to rest, re-couperate and re-charge on a regular basis. I can sense the energy and dynamics of the majority of my Yoga students as they filter in for their weekly classes . . . their needs to stretch, breathe and then allow themselves to relax . . . gradually throughout the class seeing their energies change, re-align and let go of the things they no longer need . . . so by the time they lie down for the Yoga Nidra relaxation at the end they are in the right space and zone to drop into a deep and peaceful place.
For some people, Yoga is not for them, they need quick, fast, energetic activities ~ which is great, we are all different. But one thing I'm always mindful of is that ultimately we all need the same . . . the ability to relax and relax deeply is essential to us all (perhaps even more so for those who are fast paced souls).
So if you are wanting to discover just how beneficial learning to relax is for you, then I run monthly Deep Relaxation Evenings in Oundle, Northamptonshire. The first friday every month from 7pm - 8.30pm at the Joan Strong Hall, for £7 a session. Everyone is welcome, no experience is necessary, you will be guided through different layers of relaxation, meditation and pranayama (breathing techniques), so you can practise them at home too. All you need to bring is a yoga mat or something to lie down on, a cushion for seated comfort in meditation and pranayama breathing practises, and a warm blanket to put over you in the longer Yoga Nidra relaxation.
Learning to truly relax deeply takes time and practise, so each month, you'll find yourself being able to let go more and more, going deeper and deeper into the most relaxing place for you to rest the most. Relaxation makes you feel fit for life!
Some of the benefits of Relaxation are:
* Can help to alleviate the signs of stress
* Help us feel more emotionally settled and peaceful in ourselves
* Let go of un-needed worries or fears
* Release excess muscular tension
* Aids healing process
* Rests our heart and helps reduce High Blood Pressure
* Deepens our breathing, strengthening our lungs, aiding respiration
* Improves our sleep
* Improves our over-all health and wellbeing
plus much more . . .
For more details on coming along to the Deep Relaxation Evenings, then please go to my What's On page at http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive+Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Whats+On-5.php
I will look forward to welcoming you on Friday 1st February for your journey into peaceful relaxation.
Best wishes
Harshani
Mind & Body Wellbeing
Monday, January 14, 2013
Fertility Success with Hypnotherapy
There's a great article in today's Daily Mail about a fertility success story, where a lady contacted Paul McKenna after hearing him talking about Hypnotherapy and the mind on a radio interview.
Read more here :~
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-149826/Hypnotism-gave-baby-I-longed-for.html
Great work Paul and thank you for spreading the positive message about Hypnotherapy.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist myself, I fully appreciate the journey my clients are going on, whether they are seeing me for weight issues, fertility, confident childbirth, phobias, self-esteem or other concerns, I help them to un-lock the blocks in their minds which get in the way of them progressing themselves and help them move forwards towards the successes they are looking for.
It always amazes me how much can shift and how quickly clients can move on, once these stumbling blocks have gone.
As explained in the article, fertility is about helping reduce fears, worries and stress, enabling the positive flow of energy to be conceived. As with most things in life, the more you worry about something, then the worse it often gets. So changing this starts that shift, so that positive visualizations of you holding your baby can feel more real and achievable.
Some of my fertility clients who are on an IVF program come and see me to help them overcome a phobia of needles, or anxiety around the birth. In helping them through these, they feel more prepared and excited about the process.
If you'd like more information on how I work with fertility using Cognitive Hypnotherapy, then please contact me via my website www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
I see clients in Harley Street and Northamptonshire.
Read more here :~
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-149826/Hypnotism-gave-baby-I-longed-for.html
Great work Paul and thank you for spreading the positive message about Hypnotherapy.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist myself, I fully appreciate the journey my clients are going on, whether they are seeing me for weight issues, fertility, confident childbirth, phobias, self-esteem or other concerns, I help them to un-lock the blocks in their minds which get in the way of them progressing themselves and help them move forwards towards the successes they are looking for.
It always amazes me how much can shift and how quickly clients can move on, once these stumbling blocks have gone.
As explained in the article, fertility is about helping reduce fears, worries and stress, enabling the positive flow of energy to be conceived. As with most things in life, the more you worry about something, then the worse it often gets. So changing this starts that shift, so that positive visualizations of you holding your baby can feel more real and achievable.
Some of my fertility clients who are on an IVF program come and see me to help them overcome a phobia of needles, or anxiety around the birth. In helping them through these, they feel more prepared and excited about the process.
If you'd like more information on how I work with fertility using Cognitive Hypnotherapy, then please contact me via my website www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
I see clients in Harley Street and Northamptonshire.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
New Year Qualities ~ What would you choose?
I'll start this Blog, by wishing all of my readers a very Happy New Year in 2013 and invite you to reflect upon this year ahead. . .
There's so much interest in New Year's Resolutions (often not kept for long!) that I like to change the focus towards something that you can nuture and create throughout the year, in a mindful way.
Every New Year, I invite my Yoga students at their first class back to reflect upon a quality or qualities that they would like to invite into their lives that year ahead. It maybe something that their Yoga practice may bring them or something that they want to work on developing more of.
Some of the beautiful examples given along the way are :~
So what qualities would you choose for yourself in 2013?
What would you like to nuture, develop and have more of?
What would change in your life this year by allowing those qualities to become part of your life?
So once they've chosen the quality they'd like to invite into their lives, I then ask them to close their eyes and imagine that if their quality had a colour, what would it be?
So as they imagine that colour, they then imagine they can breathe it in, with every in-breath and let every out-breath release what they no longer need from the previous year.
So try that for yourself too now . . . by closing your eyes, tuning into your breath and allowing yourself to be open to receive this quality that you'd like. And, if that quality had a colour for you, what would it be? Then connecting to your colour and being open to it's flow, imagine you can breath it into your being with every inhalation and with every exhalation imagine you are letting go of the things you no longer need from 2012. Do that for a couple of minutes every day and then be mindful of this quality and practice using it more and more.
You just might find it becoming more and more part of your life.
Remember what you think, so you become. What you focus on you attract.
So enjoy and be open to receive it's flow.
If you'd like to share some of your qualities and colours here, then please do . . .
For guidance on how to change your life visit www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
There's so much interest in New Year's Resolutions (often not kept for long!) that I like to change the focus towards something that you can nuture and create throughout the year, in a mindful way.
Every New Year, I invite my Yoga students at their first class back to reflect upon a quality or qualities that they would like to invite into their lives that year ahead. It maybe something that their Yoga practice may bring them or something that they want to work on developing more of.
Some of the beautiful examples given along the way are :~
- To Feel more Contented
- Inner Peace
- Strength and Motivation
- Fun and Laughter
- Flexibility and Balance
- Patience
- Gratitude for all that I have
- Positivity
So what qualities would you choose for yourself in 2013?
What would you like to nuture, develop and have more of?
What would change in your life this year by allowing those qualities to become part of your life?
So once they've chosen the quality they'd like to invite into their lives, I then ask them to close their eyes and imagine that if their quality had a colour, what would it be?
So as they imagine that colour, they then imagine they can breathe it in, with every in-breath and let every out-breath release what they no longer need from the previous year.
So try that for yourself too now . . . by closing your eyes, tuning into your breath and allowing yourself to be open to receive this quality that you'd like. And, if that quality had a colour for you, what would it be? Then connecting to your colour and being open to it's flow, imagine you can breath it into your being with every inhalation and with every exhalation imagine you are letting go of the things you no longer need from 2012. Do that for a couple of minutes every day and then be mindful of this quality and practice using it more and more.
You just might find it becoming more and more part of your life.
Remember what you think, so you become. What you focus on you attract.
So enjoy and be open to receive it's flow.
If you'd like to share some of your qualities and colours here, then please do . . .
For guidance on how to change your life visit www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
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